Adoption is one of a range of
options used to provide care for children who cannot live with
their birth families. It is the process whereby the legal
relationship between a child and their biological parents is
severed, and the legal rights of the child are as if he/ she had
been born to the adoptive parents.
Adoptions Data
The AIHW collects annual statistics on all finalised adoptions
in Australia. These data are provided by the state and territory
departments responsible for adoptions, according to definitions and
counting rules agreed to by those departments and the AIHW.
The Adoptions Australia series, published annually,
presents the latest data on adoptions of children from Australia
and overseas, and highlights important trends. Information is
included on the characteristics of adopted children, adoptive
families and birth mothers, and access to information by parties to
an adoption. Adoptions Australia
2007-08
is the latest publication in this series. For previous editions,
please follow the publications link to the left.
Adopting a Child
Each state and territory in Australia has its own legislation,
policies and practices regarding adoption. The state and territory
governments are responsible for processing adoption applications
and assessing and approving prospective adoptive parents. The
Australian Government Attorney-General's Department has primary
responsibility for the management and establishment of Australia's
intercountry adoption programs, and works closely with the state
and territory governments in managing these programs.
For more information about the process of adopting a child,
please contact the department responsible for adoption in your
state or territory (see 'Children and youth links' to the
left).
Last reviewed by
September 2009